Free Self-Care Packages! Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. While it can be hard to prioritize yourself when you have so many other items on your to-do list, good self-care is key to an improved mood and a good relationship with oneself and others. Most importantly: your happiness matters! Beginning Friday, September 11th at 5 pm, free self-care packages will be available for pick-up outside the main office at Sponsors' men's campus at 338 Highway 99 North, and outside Bothy Cottage at Sponsors' women's campus at 767 West 8th Avenue. Each kit will contain self-care tips and a few fun items to help you take some time for yourself. For Sponsors participants and their mentors and family only. One per person. First come, first serve; when they're gone, they're gone. Questions? Contact Amy at amyers@sponsorsinc.org or (541) 972-3894‬.

Match of the Month is... Catherine and Skye! Congratulations! The two were matched in March of this year, before Skye later released in May. They hit it off right from the start, and now these two have completed their time commitment, but are committed to staying in touch - they have built a friendship that “will continue to grow,” says mentee Skye. Mentor Catherine says, “From the moment I met her, I knew I had found more than a mentee, but a friend. I came into the mentor/mentee relationship with the idea that I would be a blessing to her, but truly she has inspired and encouraged me as much, if not more, than I have her. Watching her overcome insurmountable odds, grow, and flourish despite her insecurities has made me believe that anything is possible if you have the right support system around you. The Mentorship Program is so much more than a 'program', it is a life-changing service. The chance for me, for us, to extend ourselves to our fellow man. I'm beyond grateful for this amazing experience.” Skye says, “I am super grateful for the Mentorship Program; it brought an amazing woman into my life who has shown me, through her life, that anything is possible after prison. The only limitations I have are ones I place on myself. So, today, I work hard and dream big! Having someone who supports me in my life has had an impact on my self-worth. I’ve made a lifelong friend who is going to help me become an even more amazing person. Thank you for making it possible through your program!" Skye also said one of her goals is to come back and be a mentor! Even with the restrictions in place, these two showed us their true commitment to the program and to each other. Great job you two! We are proud of Skye, and thankful to Catherine for devoting her time to our program. We also want to thank you all, mentors and mentees, for continuing to believe in our program - we are so proud of all the matches. The connections are still being made, and friendships and support are being created! Please continue to be safe out there, and we are always a phone call away.

Free Fishing Licenses! Time to go fishing! Thanks to the Department of Human Services, the Mentorship Program has fishing licenses available on loan. Licenses can be picked up from the Mentorship Office at 362 Highway 99 North, Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm. Fishing is a wonderful, easy way to experience the great outdoors, and almost anyone can do it - all you really need is a license, a fishing pole, some bait, and a body of water! These licenses are available only to folks who are receiving housing and/or substance abuse treatment at Sponsors, and the licenses must be returned after one week. Licenses cannot be shared; everyone present during a fishing outing must have their own license. If you have extra fishing equipment lying around, please consider donating it to the Mentorship Program to be used by Sponsors participants!

Guitars available to borrow! Music is good for your body and soul - maybe making music will be your new hobby! Guitars are available on loan to any Sponsors resident. Free. Check in with the Mentorship Office at 362 Highway 99 North, Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm to borrow one.

Staying Connected: We have created a "Staying Connected" guide which includes tools for getting free internet access, communicating via video chat, and having fun from home: find it here!

Share your stories about connecting virtually! How have you been communicating with your mentor or mentee while social distancing? Maybe you've been staying touch via text messages and it's been smooth sailing; or perhaps your attempt to navigate a video chat app was an adventure in technical difficulties... Whatever your story, please share it with us!

Community Speaker "Potluck": Paul Solomon! Grab a snack and join us on Zoom on Wednesday, September 30th, 6 – 7 pm! At the time of the event, join us on Zoom by clicking here. We'll hear from the executive director of Sponsors, Paul Solomon. Paul started working at Sponsors over 18 years ago, and took over as executive director 2011. Like many of the staff at Sponsors, Paul has first-hand experience in our legal system, having spent a number of years behind bars. He has many years of experience working on criminal justice reform issues. He will join us to share his story, his vision and dreams for the organization, and his passion for criminal justice reform. This event is free. Ages 18+. Be sure to have Zoom set up on your device in advance; you can download Zoom here, and please don't hesitate to reach out to us for technical support. RSVP to amyers@sponsorsinc.org or (541) 972-3894.

Mentor Support Group! Mentors only. Join us on Tuesday, September 8th, 4 - 5:30 pm for a great opportunity to connect with staff and other mentors about your mentoring struggles and successes. At the time of the event, click here to join us on Zoom. Be sure to have Zoom set up on your device in advance; you can download Zoom here, and please don't hesitate to reach out to us for technical support. RSVP to amyers@sponsorsinc.org or (541) 972-3894‬.

Parents - complete a short interview and get a $30 gift card! Our friends at the University of Oregon are building a program to help parents successfully reenter the community and reintegrate with their children, and parents are needed to participate in a brief phone or Zoom interview about the most helpful ways to support positive reentry. The researchers are especially interested in speaking with parents who have struggled with opioid use. All participating parents will be compensated with a $30 gift card from a local retailer, and will be prioritized to have the opportunity to later take part in the Coached Parent-Child Program. During this pandemic it has been challenging to recruit interviewees, so if you know of anyone or any groups who might benefit from this offer, please help spread the word! To sign up, contact Jean Kjellstrand at (541) 346-6208 or jeank@uoregon.edu.

Active in Recovery (AIR): AIR is a program of Mentorship that offers certified peer recovery mentoring, and we currently have openings for new mentees who are looking for support in their recovery. For your safety and convenience, our peer mentor is available remotely via video chat! Our peer mentor can help you find your path to recovery by helping you locate available meetings, get a sponsor, build a positive support system, participate in healthy pro-social activities, and find a home group and learn about service work within that program. To qualify, you must have a desire to be clean and sober, be age 18 or older, have a criminal history, reside in the Eugene/Springfield area, and not be enrolled in the Mentorship Program Life Study. Interested? Contact Ben Bryant at bbryant@sponsorsinc.org or (541) 521-7949.

Free two-week gym passes! Want to work out at some of the nicest gyms around, for free? To receive a free 2-week pass to Elements Health Clubs, email Amy at amyers@sponsorsinc.org, or pick one up from the Mentorship Office at 362 Highway 99 North, Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm. You'll be able to visit the West Eugene location, the Oakway location, or the Springfield location. Take a water aerobics class, learn to box, do Pilates, and more!

Don’t forget about the Mentor Referral Program! Do you know someone who would be a fantastic mentor for the Mentorship Program? Refer them and get a $20 gift card! Contact Kristie at kmamac@sponsorsinc.org or (541) 505-5665 for more information.

Mentees Wanted! The Mentorship Program is in full swing, offering nearly all of our usual programming during these times of social distancing - and we know that there are folks out there who could use some extra support and human connection right now. Please spread the word about all of the amazing things that the Mentorship Program has to offer, and send potential mentees our way!